Government Report Suggests ‘Privacy Bill of Rights’

A U.S. Commerce Department report suggests creating a “privacy bill of rights” as well as a privacy policy office that would work with the FTC, the President, and other government bodies to protect online consumer privacy.

“America needs a robust privacy framework that preserves consumer trust in the evolving Internet economy while ensuring the Web remains a platform for innovation, jobs, and economic growth. Self-regulation without stronger enforcement is not enough. Consumers must trust the Internet in order for businesses to succeed online,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said in a statement.

This is a preliminary report, with legislative recommendations expected next year, according to the Wall Street Journal. The suggestions would alert consumers about how their information is used, align a variety of privacy guidelines, and revisit the 1986 wiretapping law. The report is now open for public comment.